The Gadsden Times' Recommendations for Tuesday's elections

By The Times Editorial Board

Published: Monday, November 1, 2004 at 7:46 a.m.

Last Modified: Monday, November 1, 2004 at 8:20 a.m.

PRESIDENT

Election 2004 finds the United States facing some far different issues than in election 2000, although many political pundits believe the country is almost as evenly divided over the candidates now as they were then.

While the nation faces many of the same domestic issues that were brewing four years ago, the terrorist attacks on Sept. 11, 2001, pushed foreign policy concerns to the top of the political agenda for much of the past three years.

There are things to fault in President Bush's administration since then. Our nation went to war on the basis of intelligence that proved unreliable. The combination of tax cuts, increased military spending to wage this ongoing war and Homeland Security concerns continue to push the federal deficit to record levels and the administration does not seem to put any emphasis on controlling it.

As many critics feared, a successful war to remove Saddam Hussein from power has become a guerilla fight with insurgent attacks that continue to claim the lives of Americans and allies, while the United States' image has suffered in the eyes of the international community.

But the war against terror and the war in Iraq have had victories as well. Recent elections in Afghanistan and the removal of Saddam were worthy accomplishments that would not have occurred without U.S. military action. The war on terror has resulted in the death or capture of a number of al- Qaida leaders - though not Osama bin Laden. Changes in intelligence sharing and the homeland security defenses have prevented, thus far, further terrorist attacks in the United States.

Bush intends to stay the course in Iraq. Plans are under way for elections there in January. Sen. John Kerry says he will bring American troops home soon.

Although Kerry voted to go to war in Iraq, his current philosophy would have the United States awaiting permission of an international community before taking action to protect American interests.

For a number of years the United States shied away from responding effectively and aggressively to terrorist actions against U.S. targets abroad. It lured terrorists to our shores.

Bush has taken the fight to the terrorists, and can be expected to continue to do so.

Bush's four years in Washington offer a briefer record to review. Growing deficits, increased secrecy in the government and a "business-like" approach to issues like the environment and energy policies deserve far from perfect marks.

Kerry's 20-year record is in line with the standard liberal agenda. Despite his long tenure, little legislation of note can be attributed to him. He voted to support the "wrong war" that he now opposes. It pains us to pick up on the opposition's flip-flop label, but sometimes the shower shoe fits.

SUMMARY: If the past four years have shown the American people anything, it is how suddenly and irrevocably an event can alter our priorities, and the need to have leaders in power who can respond to such an event.

The last three years should give voters some idea of Bush's ability to respond. Reviewing his record of the last 20 years still gives no satisfying sense of how Kerry would.

We recommend a vote to re-elect President Bush.

CONGRESSIONAL, JUDICIAL RACES

Senator
Richard Shelby, R-Tuscaloosa, has served Alabama well in three terms as senator. Voters should not hesitate to give him another term in office. Shelby does not face serious competition in the 2004 race, probably because of the serious money he would have to spend against any challenger.
An $11 million-plus war chest would be hard to beat, but so would Shelby's record in office.
As a longtime member of the Senate Appropriations Committee and chairman of the subcommittee on Transportation, Treasury and General Government, Shelby is in a position to help the state receive funds it might not get otherwise - including money for highway projects.
Voters should give Shelby another term in the Senate.

4th District
Robert Aderholt, R-Haleyville, has served four-terms in Congress and seeks a fifth term. Aderholt has been a capable representative, holding to the same socially conservative values prevalent in District 4, which stretches across the northern part of the state. On occasion Aderholt has broken ranks with the Republican leadership, as he did in supporting tariffs on steel imports - an issue of great concern here in Etowah County.
We recommend Aderhholt in the District 4 congressional race.

Alabama Supreme Court Place 1
Voters should election Robert H. Smith of Mobile to Place 1 on the Alabama Supreme Court. Smith is a respected lawyer, one who has represented insurance companies and other big business interests, but being a lawyer with a disabled daughter, has also worked to protect the interest of school children with disabilities and special needs.
Smith has experience that will benefit the people of Alabama on the Supreme Court, while his opponent has campaigned largely on his connections to former Chief Justice Roy Moore. We don't need more of that lack of respect for the law and judicial ethics on the Supreme Court.
Robert H. Smith is the by far best choice for Place 1.

Place 2
Roger M. Monroe would bring a varied history of legal experience with him to the Supreme Court bench. He served on the Alabama Court of Civil Appeals from 1994-2001 and prior to the was a circuit judge in Birmingham. He worked as a special assistant attorney general and spent about 15 years in private practice.
His opponent's experience, while distinguished, is more limited to juvenile justice.
Based on his broad experience, Monroe is the better candidate for Place 2.

Place 3
Voters are asked to decide between two capable candidates in Place 3. Clay County Circuit Judge John Rochester, a Democrat, is an experienced judge who has ruled in favor of public access in two cases that came before him.
Republican Mike Bolin is also an advocate of open government. Bolin's experience differs from Rochester's. He was in private practice for 16 years, then was elected probate judge in Jefferson County in 1988. He's held that position then, building experience in estate cases, commitments for the mentally ill, elections and adoptions.
While either candidate would serve well, we give the edge to Bolin because he would bring a different expertise to the court.

Court of Civil Appeals
Sharon Yates has served 12 years on the Court of Civil Appeals. She has taught law and practiced in all areas of law that come before the intermediate appeals court bench - workers' compensation, domestic relations, administrative rulings from state agencies and cases involving up to $50,000 (or more, if the Supreme Court directs).
She brings a level of experience that her opponent cannot match.
Keep Sharon Yates on the Court of Civil Appeals.

LOCAL RACES AND AMENDMENTS

Etowah County Commission District 2
In this race, voters must chose between incumbent Bryan Bishop and challenger Perry Gwin. In his term on the commission Bishop served his constituents in some unexpected ways. When a bridge project fell short of funds, he sold his county car to get more money for it.
Gwin brings political experience as a city councilman, and a variety of work experience to the race. He was involved in efforts to bring a ferry back to Hokes Bluff, and more importantly, he promises to bring a spirit of cooperation to the council.
We give the edge to Perry Gwin in the District 2 race.

District 3
Both Will Clay and Tommy Cox are good candidates to fill the District 3 commission seat. Neither has held public office before, but both have an understanding of the duties of the position they seek.
With experience in the construction business and his current work as an attorney, we think Will Clay will bring some expertise that would be welcome on the commission.
We recommend Will Clay in the District 3 race.

Amendment 1
Amendment 1 is another of those amendments that must be placed on ballots statewide, although it affects only Baldwin County. If approved it will give the county and cities within it the authority to buy and develop sited for economic development. Leave the voting on this one to the people of Baldwin County.

Amendment 2
This amendment would eliminate Jim Crow language from the state constitution, but opponents - including one of the amendment's authors - are concerned with changes made in the amendment. There's ongoing argument over whether the change would invite the possibility of judges ordering more taxes for schools.
The greater concern should be we continue to make piecemeal changes in the antiquated - even offensive - parts of our constitution, and refusing to admit that it needs change throughout through constitutional reform or rewrite. While the offensive language needs to be changed, we do not think this altered amendment is the way to make that change.

Amendment 3
Amendment 3 gives all city and county governments more authority for economic development - the power to purchase land and buildings for development of industrial sites, to promote and to borrow money for economic development.
City and county governments need this authority. Vote yes on Amendment 3.

Amendment 4
Amendment 4 lets the shrimp and seafood industry raise fees on itself to promote the industry. It should not require a constitutional amendment, but it does. Many agricultural-type industries have sought the same type amendment. There's no reason to deny it to the shrimp and seafood industry. Vote yes.

Amendment 5, 6 and 7
Amendment 5, 6 and 7 deal with matters that matter solely to voters in one particular city or county - Trussville, Crenshaw County and Macon County, respectively. Voters outside that city and those counties should leave the voting to the locals.
Don't vote on Amendments 5, 6 or 7.

Amendment 8
Amendment 8 will replace the ad valorem tax paid by Alabama-based commercial truckers with an excise tax. It would mean trucking companies could no longer escape taxation by basing themselves outside the state. The amount of tax paid by Alabama-based truckers should be a bit lower, and the excise tax that will be collected from out-of-state companies will make up the difference in revenue.
Vote yes on Amendment 8.

Local Amendment 1
This local amendment gives the county and city government in Etowah County the same economic development authorities Amendment 3 will give statewide. It was placed on the ballot prior to Amendment 3.
Voters should vote yes to provide these powers in Etowah County, whether or not voters approve them statewide.

<p class="bold allcaps">PRESIDENT</p>
<p>Election 2004 finds the United States facing some far different issues than in election 2000, although many political pundits believe the country is almost as evenly divided over the candidates now as they were then. </p><p>While the nation faces many of the same domestic issues that were brewing four years ago, the terrorist attacks on Sept. 11, 2001, pushed foreign policy concerns to the top of the political agenda for much of the past three years. </p><p>There are things to fault in President Bush's administration since then. Our nation went to war on the basis of intelligence that proved unreliable. The combination of tax cuts, increased military spending to wage this ongoing war and Homeland Security concerns continue to push the federal deficit to record levels and the administration does not seem to put any emphasis on controlling it. </p><p>As many critics feared, a successful war to remove Saddam Hussein from power has become a guerilla fight with insurgent attacks that continue to claim the lives of Americans and allies, while the United States' image has suffered in the eyes of the international community. </p><p>But the war against terror and the war in Iraq have had victories as well. Recent elections in Afghanistan and the removal of Saddam were worthy accomplishments that would not have occurred without U.S. military action. The war on terror has resulted in the death or capture of a number of al- Qaida leaders - though not Osama bin Laden. Changes in intelligence sharing and the homeland security defenses have prevented, thus far, further terrorist attacks in the United States. </p><p>Bush intends to stay the course in Iraq. Plans are under way for elections there in January. Sen. John Kerry says he will bring American troops home soon. </p><p>Although Kerry voted to go to war in Iraq, his current philosophy would have the United States awaiting permission of an international community before taking action to protect American interests. </p><p>For a number of years the United States shied away from responding effectively and aggressively to terrorist actions against U.S. targets abroad. It lured terrorists to our shores. </p><p>Bush has taken the fight to the terrorists, and can be expected to continue to do so. </p><p>Bush's four years in Washington offer a briefer record to review. Growing deficits, increased secrecy in the government and a "business-like" approach to issues like the environment and energy policies deserve far from perfect marks. </p><p>Kerry's 20-year record is in line with the standard liberal agenda. Despite his long tenure, little legislation of note can be attributed to him. He voted to support the "wrong war" that he now opposes. It pains us to pick up on the opposition's flip-flop label, but sometimes the shower shoe fits. </p><p>SUMMARY: If the past four years have shown the American people anything, it is how suddenly and irrevocably an event can alter our priorities, and the need to have leaders in power who can respond to such an event. </p><p>The last three years should give voters some idea of Bush's ability to respond. Reviewing his record of the last 20 years still gives no satisfying sense of how Kerry would. </p><p>We recommend a vote to re-elect President Bush.</p><h3>CONGRESSIONAL, JUDICIAL RACES</h3>
<b>Senator</b>
Richard Shelby, R-Tuscaloosa, has served Alabama well in three terms as senator. Voters should not hesitate to give him another term in office. Shelby does not face serious competition in the 2004 race, probably because of the serious money he would have to spend against any challenger.
An $11 million-plus war chest would be hard to beat, but so would Shelby's record in office.
As a longtime member of the Senate Appropriations Committee and chairman of the subcommittee on Transportation, Treasury and General Government, Shelby is in a position to help the state receive funds it might not get otherwise - including money for highway projects.
Voters should give Shelby another term in the Senate.
<br><br>
<B>4th District</B>
Robert Aderholt, R-Haleyville, has served four-terms in Congress and seeks a fifth term. Aderholt has been a capable representative, holding to the same socially conservative values prevalent in District 4, which stretches across the northern part of the state. On occasion Aderholt has broken ranks with the Republican leadership, as he did in supporting tariffs on steel imports - an issue of great concern here in Etowah County.
We recommend Aderhholt in the District 4 congressional race.
<br><br>
<B>Alabama Supreme Court Place 1</B>
Voters should election Robert H. Smith of Mobile to Place 1 on the Alabama Supreme Court. Smith is a respected lawyer, one who has represented insurance companies and other big business interests, but being a lawyer with a disabled daughter, has also worked to protect the interest of school children with disabilities and special needs.
Smith has experience that will benefit the people of Alabama on the Supreme Court, while his opponent has campaigned largely on his connections to former Chief Justice Roy Moore. We don't need more of that lack of respect for the law and judicial ethics on the Supreme Court.
Robert H. Smith is the by far best choice for Place 1.
<br><br>
<B>Place 2</B>
Roger M. Monroe would bring a varied history of legal experience with him to the Supreme Court bench. He served on the Alabama Court of Civil Appeals from 1994-2001 and prior to the was a circuit judge in Birmingham. He worked as a special assistant attorney general and spent about 15 years in private practice.
His opponent's experience, while distinguished, is more limited to juvenile justice.
Based on his broad experience, Monroe is the better candidate for Place 2.
<br><br>
<B>Place 3</B>
Voters are asked to decide between two capable candidates in Place 3. Clay County Circuit Judge John Rochester, a Democrat, is an experienced judge who has ruled in favor of public access in two cases that came before him.
Republican Mike Bolin is also an advocate of open government. Bolin's experience differs from Rochester's. He was in private practice for 16 years, then was elected probate judge in Jefferson County in 1988. He's held that position then, building experience in estate cases, commitments for the mentally ill, elections and adoptions.
While either candidate would serve well, we give the edge to Bolin because he would bring a different expertise to the court.
<br><br>
<B>Court of Civil Appeals</B>
Sharon Yates has served 12 years on the Court of Civil Appeals. She has taught law and practiced in all areas of law that come before the intermediate appeals court bench - workers' compensation, domestic relations, administrative rulings from state agencies and cases involving up to $50,000 (or more, if the Supreme Court directs).
She brings a level of experience that her opponent cannot match.
Keep Sharon Yates on the Court of Civil Appeals.<h3>LOCAL RACES AND AMENDMENTS</h3>
<B><a href="http://www.gadsdentimes.com/etowahcommisssion"><b>Etowah County Commission</b></a> District 2</B>
In this race, voters must chose between incumbent Bryan Bishop and challenger Perry Gwin. In his term on the commission Bishop served his constituents in some unexpected ways. When a bridge project fell short of funds, he sold his county car to get more money for it.
Gwin brings political experience as a city councilman, and a variety of work experience to the race. He was involved in efforts to bring a ferry back to Hokes Bluff, and more importantly, he promises to bring a spirit of cooperation to the council.
We give the edge to Perry Gwin in the District 2 race.
<br><br>
<B>District 3</B>
Both Will Clay and Tommy Cox are good candidates to fill the District 3 commission seat. Neither has held public office before, but both have an understanding of the duties of the position they seek.
With experience in the construction business and his current work as an attorney, we think Will Clay will bring some expertise that would be welcome on the commission.
We recommend Will Clay in the District 3 race.
<br><br>
<B>Amendment 1</B>
Amendment 1 is another of those amendments that must be placed on ballots statewide, although it affects only Baldwin County. If approved it will give the county and cities within it the authority to buy and develop sited for economic development. Leave the voting on this one to the people of Baldwin County.
<br><br>
<B>Amendment 2</B>
This amendment would eliminate Jim Crow language from the state constitution, but opponents - including one of the amendment's authors - are concerned with changes made in the amendment. There's ongoing argument over whether the change would invite the possibility of judges ordering more taxes for schools.
The greater concern should be we continue to make piecemeal changes in the antiquated - even offensive - parts of our constitution, and refusing to admit that it needs change throughout through constitutional reform or rewrite. While the offensive language needs to be changed, we do not think this altered amendment is the way to make that change.
<br><br>
<B>Amendment 3</B>
Amendment 3 gives all city and county governments more authority for economic development - the power to purchase land and buildings for development of industrial sites, to promote and to borrow money for economic development.
City and county governments need this authority. Vote yes on Amendment 3.
<br><br>
<B>Amendment 4</B>
Amendment 4 lets the shrimp and seafood industry raise fees on itself to promote the industry. It should not require a constitutional amendment, but it does. Many agricultural-type industries have sought the same type amendment. There's no reason to deny it to the shrimp and seafood industry. Vote yes.
<br><br>
<B>Amendment 5, 6 and 7</B>
Amendment 5, 6 and 7 deal with matters that matter solely to voters in one particular city or county - Trussville, Crenshaw County and Macon County, respectively. Voters outside that city and those counties should leave the voting to the locals.
Don't vote on Amendments 5, 6 or 7.
<br><br>
<B>Amendment 8</B>
Amendment 8 will replace the ad valorem tax paid by Alabama-based commercial truckers with an excise tax. It would mean trucking companies could no longer escape taxation by basing themselves outside the state. The amount of tax paid by Alabama-based truckers should be a bit lower, and the excise tax that will be collected from out-of-state companies will make up the difference in revenue.
Vote yes on Amendment 8.
<br><br>
<B>Local Amendment 1</B>
This local amendment gives the county and city government in Etowah County the same economic development authorities Amendment 3 will give statewide. It was placed on the ballot prior to Amendment 3.
Voters should vote yes to provide these powers in Etowah County, whether or not voters approve them statewide.